AUTOMEDON (charioteer of Achilles)
Figure of myth · son of Diores and charioteer of Achilles
When Patroclus ordered the swift horses horse/">Xanthus and Balius to be yoked, Automedon obeyed at once, lashing the steeds to urge them into action.6,3,7,8 In the heat of battle, he helped harness the horses by fastening their bands and placing the bit in their mouths.9
As the fight intensified, Automedon dashed rapidly through the Trojan crowd, fighting with deep sorrow for his fallen comrade.10 He identified the enemy as Deiphobus, noting that this warrior had previously fled from Achilles' father in fear, and suggested a divine force was now filling him with courage.11 When Alcimedon approached to question his reckless behavior, Automedon explained that only Patroclus could guide the horses better, and he instructed Alcimedon to take the whip and reins while he left the chariot to fight.10,12,13 Praying to Zeus, he immediately received courage and strength, though he failed to kill anyone because he could not manage spear and horses alone.14,10
In the chaos of the battle, he cut the fallen horse Pedasus loose from the chariot with a sharp blade, allowing the remaining two horses to continue fighting.15,3 He removed the armor from the slain warrior Aretus, boasting that this kill did not ease his grief for Achilles, and he dodged a spear thrown by Hector by stooping forward.16 Later, when Neoptolemus wanted to fight, Automedon brought the immortal horses to him and was commanded to drive the chariot toward the dying Greeks, transporting his lord swiftly across the battlefield.4,7
After the battles, Automedon served at the table, holding meat steady while Achilles chopped it, slicing the meat into pieces, and carrying bread in baskets to distribute to the diners.17,18 He helped unyoke the horses and mules, and lifted the ransom for Hector's body from the waggon, accompanying the son of Peleus when he left his house.19 Described as a peer of fleet Mars, he remained a steady figure of service and bravery, ever ready to drive the divine steeds and support his lord.16,20,19,7
The codex facts behind this entry
Automedon is the son of Diores. Iliad 17 ¶26 +1 Automedon served as a squire to Achilles. Iliad 16 ¶55 +1
In the myths
Automedon jumped down from the chariot and instructed Alcimedon to take the whip and reins, keep the horses close to his back, and control the immortal steeds. Iliad 17 ¶29 +2 He was carried swiftly away from the battlefield by immortal horses. Iliad 16 ¶55 +1 He cut the fallen horse Pedasus loose from the chariot using a sharp blade. Iliad 16 ¶32 +1 Patroclus ordered Automedon to quickly yoke his horses for battle and pursue the Trojans and Lycians. Iliad 16 ¶45 +1
